Advocacy Prep for Tax Law Changes

By Scout Nelson

In July, the South Dakota Farm Bureau took proactive steps to ensure its members are well-prepared for the expiration of several key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2025. The organization hosted four strategic meetings aimed at equipping members to advocate for the permanence of favorable tax measures, including the doubled estate tax exemption, essential business deductions, and reduced rates for pass-through entities.

The gatherings featured expert speakers from the South Dakota Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the South Dakota Department of Revenue. These experts shared valuable insights on tax issues and effective advocacy strategies, helping members understand the critical aspects of the impending legislative changes.

To further support their advocacy efforts, the South Dakota Farm Bureau provided attendees with comprehensive take-home materials. These included a detailed booklet on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, extensive information on property taxes, and an action alert template designed to facilitate direct communication with legislators.

Funding for these crucial tax meetings was secured through a grant from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Strategic Action Fund. This fund supports state Farm Bureaus, especially those with fewer than 25,000 members, by providing up to $5,000 for projects that tackle priority issues identified by the AFBF board or address organizational needs related to advocacy.

The initiative reflects a broader commitment among several state Farm Bureaus, including those from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, who have contributed to enhancing advocacy efforts by supporting the Strategic Action Fund.

Through these efforts, the South Dakota Farm Bureau not only aims to safeguard the interests of its members but also strengthens the collective voice of farmers in legislative arenas, ensuring that critical tax provisions that support agricultural sustainability and profitability are maintained.

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